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Topic 6- Learning with ICT

1. A Desktop Environment (DTE) is a graphical user interface that allows a user to change certain settings of the operating system.

   • You may make these changes fir practicality e.g if you were colour blind you may change the colours.

2. How can you adjust your desktop environment?

   • Adjust window size
     • Windows can be maximised, minimized, and made any size inbetween.
   • Mouse Settings
     • Can change how the mouse buttons work, how the mouse pointer looks and works and alter the speed of the scroll wheel.
   • Icon size
     • The icon size can be adjusted, you can have large, medium and classic.
   • Screen Resolution
     • Determines how sharp the icons etc. appear on the screen and their size.
   • Desktop Font
     • Text and other items that appear on the screen can be made bigger or smaller.
   • Colour
     • Can change most of the colours used for the desktop.
   • Position
     • Can alter the position of elements on the screen.
   • Graphics
     • Can change the screensaver, background, customize icons and many other graphics elements.
   • Contrast
     • Contrast determines the difference between the light and dark parts of the screen.
   • Volume
     • Can set the master volume and change the volume for each of the programs you use.

3. Functions of files and folders

   • You can organise your files into folders.
   • You can move, copy, delete and rename files.

4. Print settings

   • Can be used to tell the computer which printer you want to use.
   • Can add or remove a printer.
   • Set the default printer.

5. Password Protection

   • Can create a password which means other people can not access the computer without knowing the password.

6. On-screen help

   • Gives you instructions you need in order to make a change.

7. Control Panel

   • Part of the operating system used to change the look and settings of windows.
   • Features
     • Can change the way the computer connects to the internet.
     • Can set up user accounts.
     • Can set up parental controls.
     • Install or remove programs.
     • Can alter the colour of the desktop and windows.
     • Can set up hardware and software.
     • Settings can be changed to copy with a variety of disabilities.
     • Can change the way folders are used and displayed.
     • Can set up security such as passwords and updates.

8. Shortcuts

   • Enable you to do a task using the operating system quickly rather thn going through a series of menus/windows which takes time. There are keyboard shortcuts where you enter key combinations.